Our Dog Jack

[hohum]

Our dog Jack was euthanised on Thursday 26th October 2006. He was a good-hearted, clever, loyal, funny and stoic friend, who never complained and had matured into a wonderful companion.

Jack was 41/2 years old. We believe he survived Parvo when he was 5 months old and having done some research realised that this could cause problems for his health in the years ahead. Unfortunately this proved true in his case and he collapsed when out walking one day. We took him to the Vet and he was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy and an enlarged liver (a few months ago now). Just before his death, the Vet said she thought he may also have Addisons Disease.

By this time Jack was prescribed some 25 tablets/capsules each day. He took them like a trouper not wanting to upset us by refusing - even though he hated the tastes and would occasionally pretend that he had swallowed them, when we would in fact find the odd one spat out in some obscure place later on.

For a few weeks after the initial diagnosis and medication, Jack seemed to be getting better. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to last and before the end, Jack was unable to eat, was having trouble walking or standing for longer than a few minutes at any time, and was having trouble breathing or lifting his head. It was also evident that he was in pain. As much as we didn’t want to, we couldn’t delay this heart-wrenching decision any longer – waiting for some miracle to pull him back to us.

This was the hardest thing we’ve ever done and we simply cannot begin to imagine not seeing his beautiful face ever again. Of course, we are truly grateful that he isn’t suffering any more, but that doesn’t make his absence any the easier or the guilt of wondering what else we could have done for him any the less.

I’ve written this tribute to him because he was such a wonderful dog and we shall miss him so very much.

Dear Jack, we’ll miss you this much and much, much more.

We simply can’t imagine you not being here anymore, but we also know the pain you were in, the loss of your dignity and the sadness and frustration you felt as you tried to cope with the increasing damage to your body. We have watched your world shrink and your life become a struggle. We knew we’d have to let you go in peace, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

When we think back over the last 4 ½ years, we know that we’ll miss your wiggling butt, your long heavy leans, your happy greeting each morning as though we hadn’t seen each other for the longest time. We will miss your inquisitive head peering around doorways, the way you’d seamlessly get up and move from room to room to be wherever we were, and the way you used to split the distance if we were in different rooms - settling yourself in a spot exactly in the middle. We’ll miss the way you used to gently squeeze yourself between us so as not to miss out on any hugs taking place. We will miss seeing you running and playing in your dreams and the faces you used to pull. We will miss throwing things for you to fetch and your complete disdain for ‘such a meaningless game’. We will miss the very joy of being with you, your funny face, the simple innocence in your eyes, your courage and determination, your quiet dignity and the way in which you have coped with your failing health without once showing ill temper.

We will miss the proud little trot you’d do when carrying off something special you’d just been given. We will miss seeing your little golden butt disappearing down country tracks. We will miss the tilt of your head and the squeak of your favourite squeaky bone.

I will miss the way you used doze in my office while I was working, the Norah Jones songs you liked to snooze to, and the way you’d nudge my elbow when you thought I’d spent enough time at the keyboard and not enough time with you.

We will miss the smell of you, the softness of your fur and those beautiful, silly floppy ears. I will miss you being the first to arrive when I called for mealtimes, even though you knew you’d eat last. We will miss your intelligence, loving heart, your grace, good nature and sense of fair play. Most of all Jack, We will miss the joy of coming home to you.

We will always love you, we will always remember you and we will always miss you.

[debbiej]

I'm so very, very sorry for your loss.

Your letter to Jack is wonderful, very touching and above all, we understand your love for him so well.

I hope it helps to know so many here understand and are mourning Jack with you. We have a hard time without them.

[Rene Allegrini]

What a beautiful tribute to your special boy. May you find peace in the many fond memories you have of him.

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[Lola B Marie]

You have certainly placed this loving tribute on the right site. So many of us here my self included, have lost our rotties. They contribute so much to our lives and so many leave much to soon. From reading your words, I can feel how very much you love him. Death does not end a relationship. His memories will stay alive, always with you.When your hearts heal, in time, I hope his loving spirit will guide you to another rottie who needs you. That I believe is one of the finest tributes of all.
I am so sorry you lost him. He is with all our departed rotties, at the bridge.I will ask Sheena, the girl I lost two yeaes ago, to look out for a new friend.
Gods speed sweet Jack

[kerry grant]

OH!!!! this forum has done it again im in floods of tears,rest in peace darling jack,i have yet to loose a rottie but i have lost pets as a young child and truly remember the pain,thinking of you ,hang in there and think of all the good times and the fun that will now be had at the bridge xxxxxx

[Sam's Mom]

What a wonderful tribute to Jack... Please know that I very much understand right where you are...as my Sammy went to the bridge on 10-07-06. We love them so and the years just seemd to fly by. It is NEVER long enough. Till we meet again RIP OUR BELOVED ROTTIE ANGELS

[spoiledbabies3]

What a phenomenal tribute to such a stoic, brave boy, Jack. Your heartfelt words say everything. Jack has now moved to a new role, that as your "rottie angel". He will forever be the magical spirit that watches over you. The unconditional love we share does not disappear, it is treasured in the special memories we have in our hearts. Jack will forever hold a very special place in your heart...give yourself time to grieve and let your heart take the time it needs to heal...and let Jack help you. My heart aches for you as I know all too well the feeling of losing a beloved rottie. Sasha was there to meet Jack...she will help him find his way. Godspeed Jack...fly on your wings of gold...watch over your family and help them during this painful time, they truly miss you.

[CleosDad]

That is a beautiful letter to Jack. We are so sorry for your loss. Cleopatra will there to greet Jack also (Aug 10, 2006) Godspeed Jack, rest in peace sweet boy. You are in our thoughts.

[TR Young]

Wow, what a great tribute to such a good and loyal friend. Jack sounds to me like he had landed with the right family for his forever home.
Rest easy, good fella. You have earned that right!

[StephanieandToby]

What a touching tribute. It was perfect.


I'm so sorry you lost Jack. He sounds like a great dog and a wonderful friend.

[KatMc]

I'm so sorry for your loss, it sounds like your family and Jack had a special bond.

He's in a better place and you will see him again, when you do it will be like old times, until then let your memories see you through.

RIP Jack,

Kathy

[AngelBunny]

I'm so very very sorry for your loss. Jack was lucky you were his family--one that clearly loved him deeply. And you were lucky having Jack in your lives--he sounds like a wonderful boy. I am so sorry his stay with you was so short.

I hope you find consolation knowing Jack lived the best, happiest, most satisfying life he could have lived because he was your dog.

[livertw]

I am so sorry for your loss. Jacks sounds like a wonderful dog and I hope all the memories will comfort you.

[ralph]

So so sorry for your loss, may your heart start to mend soon. Fly high on angel wings Jack. Rest in Peace

[hohum]

Thank you all for your thoughtful words and kind support, which have been much appreciated.

Jack’s ashes came home today and it feels like we’ve completed a circle and he’s back home with us where he belongs.

I’ve put his box next to his picture of when he was a little fella. It’s strangely comforting in that it reminds me that death comes to all of us eventually and what’s important is living in the now… as our dogs do.

We paid our respects, played some Jack music and cracked a bottle of champagne to celebrate his life. We will miss him for the rest of our lives, but it was an honour and a blessing to have spent the time we did with our fella, and we’ll always be grateful for that and the overflowing memories we have. I daresay I’ll carry on chatting with him for a while yet too!

Goodbye and God Bless Jackie Bean.